If you were using cladistics to build a phylogenetic tree of cats, which of the following organisms would be the best outgroup?
A) lion
B) domestic cat
C) wolf
D) leopard

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An outgroup in cladistics is used as a reference group for comparing the characteristics of the ingroup (the group of organisms being studied). The outgroup should be closely related to the ingroup but not part of it. Since lions, domestic cats, and leopards are all part of the cat family (Felidae), a wolf, which belongs to the dog family (Canidae), would be the best outgroup. It is closely related but not part of the cat family, making it suitable for comparison.

If You Were Using Cladistics to Build a Phylogenetic Tree